Visiting

All individuals visiting patients in the hospital must adhere to the following

Visiting hours are unrestricted for parents/guardians. They may visit every day and are encouraged to spend as much time as possible with their child whilst in hospital.

One parent/guardian may stay in the hospital overnight with their child at his/her bedside. There is limited parent accommodation available which cannot be guaranteed.

Parents/guardians should indicate to the Clinical Nurse Manager or Staff Nurse the identity of likely visitors the child may receive where possible.

Normal Visiting Hours for siblings, adult relatives and friends are between 10.00am and 8.00pm. The recommended duration of a visit is 20/30 minutes.

All visitors must leave the hospital by 8.00pm.

For security reasons, the front door will be locked at 6.00pm Monday – Friday and will remain closed all day Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays, entry/exit is via the Emergency Department entrance only.

Visitors are limited to no more than two individuals at any one time.

Children visiting the hospital must be supervised by an adult at all times, who is responsible for the control, care, and safety of the visiting child/children. Child visitors must not be left unsupervised.

Visitors may not eat or drink on the ward unless a specific parent room is available. This is because the child being visited, or other children in the ward, may have to fast or could be on a restricted diet. Furthermore, hot food and drinks can pose a potential risk for burns and scalds to children on the ward.

Visiting hours will be restricted during medical and/or emergency situations. All exceptions are at the discretion of the Clinical Nurse Manager/Consultant.

A parent/legal guardian must inform the Clinical Nurse Manager of any legal custodial/care orders, and provide appropriate paperwork. Any queries should be referred to the Risk Management Department.

Parents and guardians are requested to support staff in ensuring all visitors leave when requested to do so.

Visitors must comply with all Hospital policies that are relevant to them while on site.

OUR EXPECTATIONS OF PARENTS AND VISITORS:

All visitors are asked to help the hospital staff to help those in our care by adhering to the following:

Help keep our hospital clean and inform staff of any cleaning concerns.

Do not visit the hospital if you are unwell as you may be an infection risk to patients and others.

Always enter and exit the hospital through the main entrance doors during opening hours or the Emergency Department entrance after 6.00pm.

Ensure visiting children are supervised at all times.

Be responsible for the safety and security of your own belongings. The Hospital Management takes no responsibility for loss of personal property while in the hospital.

Photographing and filming of children within the hospital is only permitted by the parent/guardian of the child or with consent from the parent/guardian. When/if parents/guardians are photographing their own child, they must ensure no other child is captured in the photograph.

Do not access unauthorised areas.

Consider other patients’ need for rest and privacy.

Have consideration for staff doing their job.

Comply with any requests to leave the patient’s room to facilitate care.

Observe confidentiality – visitors may see or hear things of a private and confidential nature.

Do not sit or lie on beds – empty beds have been decontaminated for use by new patients.

Do not visit while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, as admission will be refused.

Respect for all members of staff (including security staff/others) who are enforcing this hospital visiting policy.

Visitors will be required to comply fully with visiting restrictions at ward level or at a hospital level for infection control reasons.

Parents/guardians staying overnight are to ensure that lights and other electrical equipment are turned off at 10.00pm.

Inappropriate language or behaviour may result in visitors being asked to leave.